The US State Department has denied reports that the US government is drafting travel ban lists to impose new visa restrictions on several countries, while reaffirming its commitment to resettling Afghans who risk their lives to support the US mission in Afghanistan.
US State Department, According to a foreign news agency, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce admitted during a media briefing that the Trump administration is conducting a comprehensive security review of its visa policies under the presidential order issued on January 20.
However, Tammy Bruce denied the claim that there is no comprehensive visa ban list for Afghanistan or any other country. He said that the first thing is that there is no list that people have been waiting for days, there is no list that is being implemented.
He explained that a review is being conducted as part of the ongoing efforts to examine visa policies and enhance American security. He said that as we know, a review is being conducted through the President’s executive order, we are looking at what can be done to make the United States more secure by addressing the issue of visas and who is allowed to enter the country.
Tammy Bruce’s statement came at a time when reports in the New York Times, Reuters and other media outlets have said that the Trump administration is considering imposing travel restrictions similar to its previous term, which would affect several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to reports, internal discussions hinted at a possible travel ban on Afghanistan and new visa restrictions on Pakistan, and both countries were reportedly added to a list of 43 countries that are considered security threats.
Uncertainty over U.S. visa policies has raised concerns among Afghans awaiting resettlement, especially those stranded in Pakistan, Qatar and other countries. Many Afghans awaiting resettlement, including approved cases, have been affected by Trump’s January executive order, which suspended all refugee programs for at least 3 months.
Tammy Bruce reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to resettle Afghans who come to the United States. Advocacy groups working with Afghan refugees have expressed concern that changes in U.S. policy could further delay or restrict resettlement efforts.